Tasting typical Icelandic cuisine in Reykjavík

I would recommend:

• lamb - the Icelandic lamb is very flavorful and lean.
• skyr - a yogurt-like dairy product.

If you are very adventurous you could also try things like putrescent shark meat (Hákarl), but don't expect it to taste good.

You should also take a look at the Wikipedia's Icelandic cuisine page.

If you want to taste some of the freshest fish on the planet, then head straight for Icelandic Fish & Chips. They have different fish every day depending on the catch of the morning, examples being Cod, Ling and Wolf fish. You won't find fish n chips like this in the UK - an icelandic must.

Address:

Icelandic Fish & Chips, Tryggvagötu 8, 101 Reykjavík

Additionally

If you are really after a true Icelandic delicacy, you might like to try skata which is putrefied skate, the smell is akin to strong smelling cheese.

It is mostly eaten once a year on December 23rd to celebrate Thorláksmessa - Mass of St. Thorlák, patron saint of Iceland.

More information about this strange smelling delicacy can be read here

Gamla Vínhúsið at Klapparstíg 38 in Reykjavík serves delicious Mink Whale. Prices are very reasonable for the area and they have a mix of local and generic dishes. Here is the whale steak with pepper sauce:

There is one desert Gamla is famous for too which was described to me as like Yogurt but not yogurt. I have no idea what either taste like because I am allergic to dairy products but I was told it is unique to Iceland.

If you walk down the major streets in downtown Reykjavík you will see quite a few restaurants. Most serve international fare because I suppose that is what people who live their like to eat when out. However, you will see a quite a few places advertising local dishes too.

One of the more expensive places offer both a Whale or Puffin sampler. If you have time for two dinners, go for the While at Gamla and the Puffin at Hereford Steikhús which is located at Laugavegur 53B.